Silverleaves resident Eden White, who is in the throes of establishing an Astronomy Club on Phillip Island, is pictured showing his grand-daughters the wonders of the night sky last week. Anyone interested is joining what will be an exciting new club locally, is invited to call Eden for more information.
Astronomy Club for Phillip Island
If you have an interest in astronomy, or if you know very little about it but would like to learn more, then a new club being launched on Phillip Island may just be for you.
Silverleaves resident Eden White is in the throes of establishing a Phillip Island Astronomy Club (Inc) locally.
He is a member of a similar club over on the Mornington Peninsula, and says the Club there has opened up fascinating opportunities and experiences for members of that community … young and old.
Eden has been an avid astronomer for many years, and as a club member and armed with his telescope, has shared his enthusiasm and knowledge giving talks and demonstrations in schools and aged care facilities.
He says he never ceases to be amazed by the appetite for astronomy in both groups.
“They are amazed at what you can see through a strong telescope with the naked eye, and to have this explained to them. They all absolutely love it,” Eden says.
“Going out into the community gave me a new insight into the strong interest in amateur astronomy that is out there.”
Eden says Bass Coast is ideally suited for the launch of a Phillip Island Astronomy Club, because this area enjoys what astronomers call “Dark Skies.”
The term “Dark Skies” means that light pollution from the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne is limited, and therefore enables clearer and better views of the Milky Way and the sky’s galaxies of stars.
He is extremely enthusiastic about the possibilities the new club presents for our community.
“Wouldn’t it be great if I could transform peoples’ theories and actually show them the stars through my telescope and explain which and what they are. And offer this to the school kids and anyone else who wants to join in the fun.
“My experience has been that the youngest and oldest generations I present to are absolutely blown away when they find themselves looking at the planet Saturn with its rings.”
Eden is adamant that a local astronomy club, when up and running, will be a great resource for local schools to call upon, and is looking forward to getting it up and going.
“It will be a fantastic adjunct to the overall club community,” he says.
There has already been strong interest shown in formation of the Astronomy Club, from a small advertisement placed recently; and expressions of interest are invited from other community members to come along to an inaugural meeting he plans to call next month, to get the club running.
“The idea is an interaction of information to all members at all levels,” said Eden.
“Bring along your telescopes if you have one, but members are not required to own a telescope whatsoever.”
Monthly night-time meetings for the club are envisaged, with a suitable night being determined once membership is in place. The exchange of information and astronomy presentations will also feature at meetings, which he says will be fun and friendly
School astronomy education viewing nights will also be planned by the club, if local schools would like to avail themselves of this resource.
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Several times per month (weather dependent) outdoor viewing nights will also be held. The club will operate under full requirements for an incorporated astronomy club.
If you are interested, you can contact Eden White on 0448 637 172 for further information and an invitation to the inaugural meeting planned for next month.
